To celebrate his legacy and the donation of the Arthur Mitchell archive to Columbia’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Arthur Mitchell directed an ensemble of professional dancers in an eclectic program at Miller Theatre on October 2, which reflected his lifelong commitment to excellence and diversity in dance. Award-winning actress Dr. Cicely Tyson introduced Mitchell to a standing room-only audience of more than 500 people. Guest artists included India Bradley, Marquis Floyd, Marquise Hitchcock-Jones, Erica Lall, Alicia Graf Mack, Brooklyn Mack, Michael Jackson Jr., Paunika Jones, Ashley Mayeaux, Akua Noni Parker, Unity Phelan, Jamal Story, Calvin Royal, Rasta Thomas and Samuel Wilson. The program featured excerpts from ballets by Mitchell, George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey and others.

Next up: On view from January 13 to March 11, 2018, at the Wallach Art Gallery, located in the Lenfest Center for the Arts, will be Arthur Mitchell: Harlem’s Ballet Trailblazer, an exhibition celebrating the life and accomplishments of the New York City Ballet’s first African American star, and the founder and longtime director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem.